17 Kings And 42 Elephants (Pied Piper Paperback) [Mass Market Paperback]

Margaret Mahy (Author), Patricia MacCarthy (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1993 | Series: Pied Piper Paperback

Where those kings are headed is a mystery, but no travelers ever had such a jolly time. Here is a royal romp through a tongue-twisting paradise. 32 full-color illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Mahy's jocund verse, first published 15 years ago, has been dressed in colorful new clothes. MacCarthy's vivid batik paintings on silk gleam like the eyes of the "white toothed crocodiles" or the sleek stripes of the magnificent tigers. The story is simple: 17 kings sing and dance their way through the jungle on the backs of 42 elephants until the "deep dark jungle" swallows them. Their mysterious destination is not as important as their obvious joy in the journey; the characters are not asimportant as the rollicking language. Like Vachel Lindsay, Mahy has penned a foot-stomping poem; it sways like the backs of the elephants past peacocks, pelicans, hippopotomums and other "watchers in the jungle, moist and mistalline" that "bibble-bubble-babble to the bad break herebing-bang-bong!" Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2 In words both sensible and nonsensical, Mahy's entourage of kings and elephants makes its way through the jungle. Readers don't know where they came from or where they're going, but the journey is a joyous one. Before the procession disappears into the night, assorted jungle creatures respond to the songs and music of the travelers: ``Forty-two elephantsoh, what a lot of 'ums, /Big feet beating in the wet wood shade, /Proud and ponderous hippopotomums /Danced to the music that the marchers made.'' Painted on silk, the batik illustrations glow with the lush, clear colors of the fabric. Their visual patterns reflect the verbal patterns and the fun of the text. The hippopotomums are palpably ponderous, the flamingos gorgeously pink. Not since Preston and Parker's Pop Corn and Ma Goodness (Viking, 1969; o.p.) has there been such a marriage of happy, rhythmic language and illustrations. Go for it. Your small patrons will love it. Janet D. French, Centennial School Dist . Libs . , Warminster, Pa.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (March 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140545972
• ISBN-13: 978-0140545975
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,154,334 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Margaret Mahy lives in New Zealand and is internationally acknowledged as one of the most outstanding children's writers today. She is the author of more than two hundred books for children of all ages, two of which have received England's Carnegie Medal and others of which have garnered numerous citations from the American Library Association. She is also the recipient of An Order of New Zealand, the highest honor a citizen can receive. In 2006 she received the Hans Christian Andersen award for her contributions to international children's literature.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Favorate Book to Read to Children, December 8, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: 17 Kings And 42 Elephants (Pied Piper Paperback) (Mass Market Paperback)

This book is musical in its use of language. The verse seems to mimic the marching of the elephants. Reading and listening to the book are equally delightful. The pictures are lush and beautiful. I'm on my second child, and this remains a favorite of my 3 and 6 year old sons.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Our family LOVES this book, December 11, 2003

By 

Suzanne E. Greydanus (Bloomfield, NJ United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 17 Kings And 42 Elephants (Dial Books for Young Readers) (Hardcover)

My husband made up a song to go with the words - this is one of our family's favorites! A very sing-songy read with made up words and a short but sweet narrative. Get this book and try to make up a tune to go with the poetry. This is not a counting book. If you like imagination and poetry, you'll love this.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful!, October 9, 2005

By 

Jennifer L. Rogers (St. Louis, Mo USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 17 Kings And 42 Elephants (Dial Books for Young Readers) (Hardcover)

This book is a fast favorite at our house. The verse itself is very similar to Dr. Seuss -- lots of license with words and a bouncy rhyme. The pictures are lovely.

With regard to an earlier reviewer's comments, this is NOT a counting book. Instead, it's a tale of kings and elephants (natch!) riding through the jungle who spread their happy song to various animals along the way. Toddlers appreciate the rhyme, while older kids (4-6) will enjoy the creative language.